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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Although I don't even have enough room in my closet as it is, I've recently added two great pieces to my wardrobe. I'm excited to integrate them into future spring and summer outfits!

1) Elisabeta Blouse, Anthropologie, $89.95
I seriously cannot wait to put this on. Seriously. Given it's sheer lace material, I feel like it's more appropriate for an evening outfit. I hope I have a reason to go out and get Jessed up soon! (I'm sure I can find a reason if I have to...)

I'm probably most excited for this skirt because it's so versatile, and not to mention, gorgeous! It can be dressed down with a chambray shirt, or dressed up with a silky blouse. Either way, the layered lace in a soft neutral makes for a perfect summer staple.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

A couple days ago at work, I was helping an older woman when mid-transaction, she asked me if this was my first time expecting. Um... I'm not pregnant. Maybe it was the way I was standing. Maybe it was the flowiness of my maxi dress. I knew I'd gained some weight but didn't think it was that noticeable. Either way... Cue awkward conversation, her retracting the statement, and the rest of my weekend obsessing over my side profile.

While I know I shouldn't let her comment get to me, it was definitely the catalyst I needed to renew a healthier lifestyle.

Some of you know that last year I did Weight Watchers Online for about 4 months to try it out. During that time, I really stuck with the program. I made food at the beginning of each week, portioning out meals for each day. I also made a stronger effort to increase physical activity, like working out, taking Bruiser on longer walks around my neighborhood, swimming, etc. At the end of the 4 months, I'd lost about 15 pounds. I was proud that I'd stuck with it, and lost the weight in a natural, healthy way.

I thought I would be able to keep the healthy lifestyle without paying to use the Weight Watchers Online platform. I successfully kept it up for about 2 months, but then slowly began letting it go. Since I ended the WW program nearly a year ago, I've gained all of the weight back, plus some.

Why am I telling you this? Well... I think it might help hold me accountable. The weather's warming up, summer's around the corner, and I'm in no shape for sundresses or bikinis. I figure if I put this out there on GJU, perhaps it will help motivate me to stay on track this summer. GJU is not about to become a fitness and health blog, for the record. I will, however, keep you posted on my progress every couple of weeks (assuming there's good news to share).

I want to stress that this is not solely about physical appearance. While I do want to look better in my clothes, it's less about the number on the scale and the size of my jeans. For me, it's more about getting back into a healthier lifestyle with good eating habits, increasing my physical activity, and feeling better about myself and my health.

Here's my starting point.

In terms of working out: I don't. It's embarrassing to admit but I never get to the gym. That's going to change. I have a 24-hour gym in my neighborhood (which is awesome considering my wacky work schedule) that I will begin to take advantage of on a weekly basis.

When it comes to food, I can't help myself but enjoy a good, hearty meal. Also, I'm admittedly a snacker. Over the next couple weeks, I need to reintroduce myself to fresh produce and proteins, and limit my carb and sugar intake. I also need to cut back on the midday and late night snacking.

Starting weight: 157 lbs. I am not sure what my goal weight is at this point. When I was doing WW Online, I ended up in the low 140's and was happy with that... so maybe somewhere around there. On that note, I like my curves and don't want to lose them. I do want to tighten up and lose some of the fluff in certain areas.

At this moment, I don't feel great about myself. Some lady thought I was preggo, I've gained all the weight back, and my warmer weather clothes don't fit the way I'd like them to. At the same time, this moment is an opportunity for me to get it together and get back on track to a healthier lifestyle!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Story of my life. Anyway, these are all the random things I've stumbled upon in my shopping and internet browsing adventures. Thought I'd share in the event that you might want the same things, or in case you were looking for a random gift for someone. You're welcome.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Coachella music festival took place the last two weekends, and with it came an array of hippie-inspired garb. One trend I noticed quite a bit was the bra top. Sometimes referred to as a bandeau, the bra top is an emerging trend this season. Often paired with high-waisted skirts or shorts, bra tops show some skin without being too risque for walking around in public.

Some celebs rocking the bra top at Coachella include:

Vanessa Hudgens

Julianne Hough

Katy Perry

Fun Fact: Selena Gomez recently wore the same Dolce & Gabbana floral bra top to an event promoting her new movie Spring Breakers. The real question is: Who wore it best?

Selena Gomez

Here's how some top designers are showing bra tops in their collections:

Versace, Proenza Schouler, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Carven.

Retailers seem to be embracing the bra top trend. Want one for yourself? I found a bunch of options just for you if you want to try it out for yourself :)

So.. is the bra top something you would try? I would maybe try it out once it's warmer... and I'd probably pair it with a high-waisted flowy skirt, a la Vanessa Hudgens. My inner hippie loves that look on her!

Friday, April 19, 2013

I know it's been a tense week with everything that's happening in Boston related to the marathon bombers. I just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are still with the people of Boston. I know you will be resilient, and come out an even stronger community after this tragedy.

That said, I did put together a post for today...

It's a fashion inspiration post today on GJU. I follow several fashion bloggers, and always love the outfit ideas they come up with, and how they pair different pieces together in fresh, new ways.

One of Lauren's posts from last summer really caught my eye. I liked how she paired a casual chambray top, knotted at the bottom, with a more streamlined pencil skirt. To add some color, she layered on a statement necklace in a bright coral hue.

[GJU Sidenote: Pairing blousy/voluminous tops with slimmer bottoms (such as pencil skirts or skinny jeans) is a really flattering silhouette on curvier women. It created a cinched waist, drawing the eye down and elongating the body.]

Imitation is the ultimate form of flattery, so I decided to recreate this outfit. I changed it up a little, adding some of my own personal touches, and tweaking it to be more weather appropriate for Baltimore. I wore this outfit a couple weeks ago when it was still pretty chilly in Baltimore, so instead of metallic flats, I wore tights and boots. Additionally, I kept it casual by wearing my chambray shirt open with a polka dot shell underneath, instead of knotting it at the bottom.

Is this something you would wear? How would you style it? Would love to hear your thoughts and comments :)

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

In light of yesterday's tragic events at the Boston Marathon, I encourage you to take advantage of a simple daily opportunity: Take a moment to tell your friends, family, and everyone you love that you love them. Tomorrow is never promised.

These are just a handful of the images from the article. If you have a minute of free time today, I encourage you to look through the full article. If nothing else, it will leave you with a smile and perhaps a glimmer of hope. Today, my thoughts and prayers are with those in Boston. I have high hopes that they'll rise to the occasion and pull through this tragedy a stronger, even more united city.

Monday, April 8, 2013

While I pride myself on being a savvy shopper, finding great deals and discounts in the depths of my favorite department stores... I also have a problem. I gravitate to the most expensive things in every store. So, if you're like me (a baller on a budget) it's important to know where to find stylish substitutes. Or, if you have the go-big-or-go-home mentality (and wallet to match) here are some fabulous finds for you!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

So in January I wrote a post about about getting back into my blog, and re-committing myself to my Get Jessed Up readers. Well... I failed at that effort. I wrote a handful of posts and then fell off the blogosphere again.

Now I'm here to tell you: I truly miss you. I miss my blog.

I thought I was done and I thought I was over it, but I'm not. I missed my readers sending in comments and questions, and Facebook-ing me, and tweeting me, and emailing me... and you get the idea.

From this point forward, I am ready to actually commit to Get Jessed Up. For real, though.

I feel like we have a lot to catch up on.

To name a few:

1) The Grammy's happened.
2) Kim K. has been seen strutting her pregnant style and flaunting her baby belly fashions on magazine covers everywhere. Some of her choices have been questionable.
3) In anticipation of the 6th season of Mad Men, Banana Republic has reintroduced its Mad Men inspired collection. If I may, I will speak for Joan lovers everywhere and declare that I need every dress in that line. No, it's not a matter of want. I need.
4) It's Spring... and the weather is finally starting to catch on. Spring trends are some of my favorites, and I'm excited to share them with you!

On a personal level, let's see...
1) Still single.
2) Living in my new apartment with Bruiser. We LOVE it!
3) I have added more scarves to my collection. I'm an addict.

Hope you're all doing well, and hope you're all ready for more posts from GJU! Let's get it started!!

Until next time,
GJU

p.s.
Here's a litte of what I've been up to... and what I've been wearing.

St. Patrick's Day 2013

Baltimore Oriole's Opening Day 2013

Baltimore Oriole's Opening Day 2013

Cupid's Undie Run in DC, benefiting the Children's Tumor Foundation

I turned 25! This cookbook was one of my favorite gifts: Fifty Shades of Chicken